Nothing captures the essence of old-school professional wrestling like Mega Cat Studios’ WrestleQuest. The game is a delightful homage to the colorful characters and storylines of the territory-era, while also incorporating elements of turn-based RPGs like Final Fantasy. Although it may lack some modern game design features, WrestleQuest’s witty writing and fun characters make it an enjoyable experience overall.

The Toy Box: A World of Wrestling

One of the game’s major influences is Toy Story, as it takes place in a miniature world known as the Toy Box. This world consists of interconnected playsets that serve as wrestling promotions, each with its own champions, politics, and cultures. From jungle-themed board games to dusty Mexican cities, each region offers a unique experience. However, the overall importance of each location appears to be consistent, with even minor conflicts given the same level of importance as major events. It’s best not to overthink it and simply enjoy the “everything is wrestling” approach of the game.

Compelling Storylines and Characters

Despite some flaws in the plot’s execution, WrestleQuest delivers compelling storylines through its diverse cast of characters. The tale of the Honest Bucks tag team and their journey to stardom is particularly engaging, even if it occasionally gets sidetracked by less meaningful plot developments. On the other hand, Muchacho Man’s quest to become the Toy Box’s best wrestler lacks the same level of depth.

While the control frequently switches between different groups of heroes, interrupting the flow of one story for another, the game manages to maintain its charm with touching story arcs. The game boasts a variety of colorful and often silly characters, with many inspired by real-life wrestling legends and sci-fi/pop-culture icons. The playable characters represent different wrestling archetypes and RPG classes, creating a seamless fusion of wrestling and role-playing.

A World of Creativity

WrestleQuest’s visuals are reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons, with vibrant colors and a unique style. The Toy Boxes, towns, and dungeons are creatively crafted to reflect the game’s themes of wrestling and toy stores. The attention to detail in these elements, with numerous wrestling Easter eggs, adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of the sport.

Challenges and Shortcomings

While the gameplay captures the essence of classic 2D RPGs, some aspects can be frustrating. Towns, in particular, lack interesting activities beyond purchasing equipment. Sidequests often require backtracking, which can become a hassle. However, the rewards, such as summoning lucha legend LA Park and his sons, make it worthwhile.

Dungeons offer a mix of engaging obstacles, traps, and puzzles, but the absence of a real minimap can be frustrating for navigation. While some dungeons are too short, others overstay their welcome with clichéd challenges. Splitting the party up can freshen up the gameplay, but WrestleQuest falls short of the thrilling dungeons found in classic 16-bit RPGs.

Unsuccessful Attempts at Variety

WrestleQuest attempts to break the mold with mini-games and distractions, such as rhythm-based dancing and Battleship!-style warfare. Unfortunately, these endeavors often fall short and become frustrating obstacles to progress.

Suplex City Battles

In WrestleQuest, dungeon battles are not random; monsters wait for you to approach before attacking. While some can be avoided with precise timing, stationary enemies cannot be bypassed without engaging in combat. Fleeing from battles is also not an option, necessitating tactical thinking and resource management. However, as the game progresses, combat can become repetitive, relying on basic abilities.

Around the mid-game, it becomes easy to encounter over-leveled enemies, especially when new party members join at level one. This imbalance poses a challenge for players and requires strategic planning.